Lao authorities have declared the central province of Xaysomboun as a red zone following the detection of African swine fever (ASF) cases here.
According to Lao National Radio, local authorities confirmed the presence of ASF in Vanghai village, Thathom district, Xaysomboun province, on February 19.
In response, officials have banned the processing and sale of infected pork to prevent further spread of the disease.
ASF poses a serious threat to pig production and the livelihoods of Lao people. Authorities are calling for coordinated efforts to contain and eliminate the outbreak, including heightened surveillance in several villages across Xaysomboun and Bolikhamxay provinces.
To minimise losses, authorities will carry out inspections and collect samples for analysis. Farmers have been urged to strengthen biosecurity measures and comply with movement restrictions to help control the outbreak swiftly.
ASF cannot be transmitted from animals to humans, but it is highly lethal to pigs and wild boars, with a nearly 100% mortality rate. The virus can survive up to three years in frozen meat and up to one year in dried meat, requiring high temperatures to be destroyed.
